Overwhelm Part One: How to Tackle the Clutter

[@ClipsByLaura]

Oh my goodness, this is literally the first time a cleaning video showed a mess that is ACTUALLY messy, instead of an already clean room with two shirts on the floor. This finally is recognisable, thank you! It makes me feel less like a slob and more motivated to actually get something done.

[@akcalo]

Yes!! I've found my people!

[@onlineextrovert5842]

Preach!!!!

[@GyntherMeyer]

INORITE!!! I read one article about how to clean a messy room and in the pictures it had a couple magazines and a jumper on a couch and a few mugs on the table. NOT MESSY AT ALL. This is a good video. xD

[@jenifermorgan7328]

My daughter said "That looks like our house!"

[@amandavrtis6735]

exactly! I watched this and thought OMG that looks like my house!

[@Quit3Cut3]

The worst part about having ADHD is I don’t even notice the mess til it’s overwhelming, then I can’t figure out where to start. I like the idea of starting where it’s less overwhelming. I usually start with the messiest room and then give up lol.

[@Kendall_EmpowersYou]

lol me too! Not any more though lol

[@RussyPiot]

Me: " I'm finally gonna clean my living room today" Me, 2 hours later: *has watched every single ADHD cleaning video on youtube*

[@unimpresseddolphin7816]

Literally what I’m doing right now.

[@HB-hb5rx]

LMAO wow same!

[@mammamathews]

I hear ya!

[@kinkcreature]

For me it's my bedroom, but same

[@Sunshineblazefire]

😭😭🤧

[@taylorulch9871]

WOW your home is TRASHED!!! This is so incredibly validating!!! My home looks like this almost perpetually. I'm constantly so ashamed because my day job takes up all my spoons and my desk is tidy and organized to a fault. My coworkers could never imagine the level of disarray and chaos I go home to. I'm currently reducing my possessions according to instruction in the wonderful book " how to organize with adhd" I think it's called. The cover image is a bunch of sticky notes (fitting lol) I will have to try this cleaning method next! Thank you for making this video

[@jefdby]

Me too......

[@jefdby]

Do you recommend that book?

[@57Sauce]

I think it's called Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD (2nd ed)

[@57Sauce]

@@jefdby I also spell my name with one F!

[@taylorulch9871]

hey since this comment has some new traction, I DO recommend that book. I also really highly recommend How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis. it reframes your mindset and helps release so much shame

[@marljusweety6606]

I have a cleaning lady. And when she comes, the house has to be tidy for her to do her job and for me not to die of embarrasment. By the time she comes to clean, I could have done the job myself in under an hour. Its all tidy and empty surfaces. But if I didnt have an appointment with her, I wouldnt ever tidy and clear out trash as much. And then cleaning it would feel like such a big endeavour. Aaaaand it wouldnt get done. So I pay for this wonderful woman to be my deadline, and also a little bit for the cleaning part. It took me 37 years to find what works for me, but this has made it possible for me to have guests drop by on short notice without my stress levels going haywire.

[@glowfishin1]

Marlju Sweety happy that you found a system that works for you! 😀

[@eonstar]

I find this a bit amusing >.

[@teppi5119]

Marlju Sweety OH MY GOD! ME TOO!!!! My husband was so confused when the night before the cleaning lady was suppose to be there I was crying and FREAKING OUT!

[@dutchkel]

Marlju Sweety hmm interesting... i like this

[@shanaloveslemondrops]

This is exactly me. I'm glad to hear someone else does this too.

[@Fire_soul1796]

"We've done a lot, but we haven't gotten anything done." She perfectly described my day today. Lol! Thanks for sharing this.

[@jonathancook1559]

I don't make messes, they just appear over night.

[@elenariosvigil9505]

😂😂😂 seriously

[@craftmamanl]

Jonathan Cook that is how i feel.. like i cleaned, blinked and then we have a mess again..

[@snoopygonewilder]

You have gremlins too?

[@jonathancook1559]

Of course! Why didn't I see it before 0_0

[@nannibunni]

I live with my bf and my dog, I blame all the mess on them. I swear, I CANT remember leaving anything like that 😂😂😂

[@mintbrownieangelfish-6114]

I swear... every time I watch your channel I get that little boost of "you're not alone, and here's some help" that I didn't know I needed. I love this channel so much.

[@robinhart143]

When I was younger and had six growing children, you can only imagine the clutter/mess! I was ALWAYS overwhelmed. One thing I learned to do when I was overwhelmed with toys, etc, was to take a garden rake (yes you read that correctly) and rake EVERYTHING into the center of the room. I would then sit down and make piles of related items. That gave me the structure I needed to get stuff done. I frequently had the kids who were old enough help with the sorting, then each of us would take one pile and put everything away! Easy to stay focused when everything is in front of you. My therapist thought I was crazy, but it worked for me!

[@wifflesplat440]

I don't think I've ever commented on a KZbin video before. The state of my home is something I've always been very hard on myself over. It is incredibly relieving to know that this is struggle for other ADHDrs. Your videos have made me feel a lot less alone with this condition. Thank you!

[@Clutterbug]

I just love your videos! I am a recovering slob...I'm sure having ADHD is a huge reason for my messy ways. Anyhoo, I started getting organized and found I can hyper focus on organizing tasks...which is a positive way to use my hyper focusing superpower! Now I have a KZbin channel all about organizing...lol. Still a slob, but an organized slob ;)

[@HowtoADHD]

I love it!!! I'm gonna live on your channel lol

[@Clutterbug]

I just filmed a video yesterday...a tribute to your channel! I'll be sure to send you the link when it's live. It is mostly me ranting and raving, but hopefully some of my subs come and follow you. You are amazing!

[@dutchkel]

ClutterBug I follow you!

[@lisalisa-hi5qp]

Yes Cassie this is how I found HOW TO ADHD. It is a valuable channel to me. I can hyper focus on many things ,just not organizing. I need to get rid of stuff and it makes me cringe. You could not tell in the main areas of the house,but 3 bedrooms and closets galore full of stuff:( OVERWHEMED) I took my meds today, so things have started. I have a list. I did this 5 7 10 ordeal. I was in the 7 s and I could not cross it all off. Geesh , this is harder than getting a nursing degree. I was totally hyper focused on school, for I had 2 babies . I had to get a decent career, so I hyper focused with my super power and graduated #1. This was many years ago and many interests I have succeeded at ......... plants fail tomatoes fail losing 73 pounds win... running 2 half marathons in early 40s win. I gained back weight...fail. I stopped running just like I started Forrest Gump style. Do any of you relate to this stuff? I can revise papers over and over. I get annoyed if my timer is on and I get interrupted. If I had less stuff, I could find stuff. I have a lot of my 28 and 29 year olds art. My 14 year old boy is what I hyper focus on now:) ENOUGH LOL I am procrastinating. I hope you both have a blessed day.

[@kamanisiriwardane9791]

ClutterBug , I found this channel thanks to you and I was diagnosed with ADHD too

[@BrooklynneMichelle]

I have literally been trying to clean my room for 4 months now... This really helps A LOT! Thanks!

[@HowtoADHD]

Yay!!! I thought Erica had a great system, happy to share it!

[@BrooklynneMichelle]

I definitely have fond that breaking tasks down helps me so this system seems like it would work really well for me thank you again!

[@goldenglowladore3842]

Same...

[@holidayin7962]

Yeah I’ve been driving my family nuts

[@JennhasADHD]

I bought the book "The life-changing magic of tidying" by Marie Kondo recently. And I've already donated 4 garbage bags of clothes. And one full of books to a community centre. Also 4 garbage bags of junk in the bin. The less stuff I have to overwhelm me I found made everything easier to clean. Bye bye shiney things that no longer spark joy. I highly highly recommend simplifying your life or using minimalism techniques if you find yourself _constantly_ cleaning. You must always put things back after you use them is key. And cleaning or de-cluttering by item not by room also helps.

[@mlcblogmedia1156]

Love Kondo's method. Changed my life. Now I start with my simple list 1) dishes/kitchen straighten and wipe down, 2) bedroom, straighten, put away clean clothes, shoes, and put dirty ones in laundry basket, make bed or pull it up, and 3) desk needs attention, give it a little or some, and 4, 5, 6, everything else. Always. This makes my life work. I always have some accomplishment, a small neat next task, or not, and some semblance of order. Joy is continually being sparked. More progress is being made as I plow into my old stuff which is in boxes, papers, photos, sentimental stuff, now in boxes by batch. This is being eradicated gradually and brought out where I can enjoy my life -- because , darn it, I'm worth it, and I;m ok, etc. So happy.

[@carriewetsch4441]

I love this too but didn't stick with it LOL. Of course I was in the process of starting to pack to move my whole house so now that I'm in the new house I may try again.

[@twitch136661]

I borrowed the book and downloaded the app as well so I can share with others as a form of motivation. It did help me get rid of some things, I love the book and I did learn a lot from it. But at the end it left me with massive piles of items to put away. Because if I remember correctly, you're not actually supposed to put things back and "tidy" until you've purged your entire house. Which was extremely overwhelming. I also tried flylady's method. definitely not a very "friendly" experience. It basically boils down to micromanaging every thing. With massive lists, large groups that are "broken down" into large tasks. Hundreds of reminders and emails that take over your phone. The fact that she recommends downloading multiple other apps to use with it such as cozi. And you find yourself all over the place between emails, 3 different apps and the overwhelming paper journal she has you keep. I found Melissa makers youtube series and her book to be helpful and a lot easier to follow. I'll probably use her methods along with the list here and a bullet journal, and see if it works so I can delete the some odd 15 self improvement and task apps off my phone lol.

[@lettherebelightpink]

@@carriewetsch4441 That doesn't surprise me. Whenever I try to make a huge pile on the floor of everything of one thing that I own, I get so overwhelmed that I immediately want to cover it with a blanket and walk away for a million years. Konmari is not the most ADHD-friendly way to tidy, for some. But that's okay. The idea of something sparking joy (or not) is powerful on its own. It's a yes or no question. In terms of decision making (which is hard enough!), that's about as simple as it's going to get. x

[@caotica9299]

@@mlcblogmedia1156 do you do this every day?

[@craftmamanl]

this is so recognizeable! my gosh.. need to try that.. it is so hard to keep a house clean...

[@CarolynDesign]

Thank you so much for sharing a video of your home in it's monster state. I get so deeply ashamed of my own house when it gets there, and a lot of times, I feel like the only person fighting that monster. It's very isolating. It's SO meaningful to me that you were willing to share your own monster. It's helping me let go of the shame, which will (hopefully) make it easier for me to tavkle the monster moving forward.

[@_Gianna_R]

My room is so messy all the time, I have to jump to try to not step on anything. I know my best friend for about 5 or 6 years now and she has NEVER seen my room because it was always messy. Oh, yeah, and my ex also only has seen my room once where I was sure I cleaned everything but he told me it was still a mess. I am definitely willing to try this method.

[@cupcakesprinkles2ndchannel169]

Matthew Kane :O we are TWINZIES cuz that's how I am!

[@jppiehl]

It's called CHAOS = Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome. I tend to do a lot of talking from my porch, some neighbors have never been in my house but we talk a lot on my porch. Heaven forbid if someone would like to use my bathroom while chatting or some cable guy needs to come over. Pure panic!

[@354860468]

I found my people in these comments 😂

[@goldenglowladore3842]

@@jppiehl Yup! I even told my mom not to come over here if she needs to use the bathroom. Her home is a 10min drive home from here. My messies have greatly impacted my life! I want to share my home with family, friends and other musicians, etc etc. Won't give up!!!

[@littlelady12]

I'm ADHD and an ENFP too! Your videos have been so helpful and I am so grateful for you taking the time to explain just how this impacts us (in the, "ahhh so I'm not crazy, this is part of my disorder!") and how we can succeed in a neuro-typical world. Keep up the good work!!

[@EvelynaGR]

I don't know if I have adhd, but that totally helps me, I am easily overwhelmed and I just call it multitasking 😂

[@twizzlerburn]

From a fellow ADHD ENFP I'd just like to say THANK YOUUUU THIS WAS EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED! I now keep a list on my water cooler because when I get distracted I chug water. Working great!!! First time I've ever not felt defeated by the overwhelm

[@erinpeterson3202]

i am currently staring at the overwhelm that is my old bedroom that needs to be cleaned (im talking "can't see the floor," "there are layers" messy. no exageration) i have been putting this off for so long its not even funny and i have to deal with it right now bc my dad is coming to help in the morning and i have said i've been working, but i have no progress to show at the moment, so i need to make some progress tonight. sleep? who needs sleep?

[@HowtoADHD]

Make a list, pick the least overwhelming corner aaaand...GO! :D

[@kirstywells9189]

Erin Peterson I'm the same with the bedroom this video feels it can help thank you 👍🏻

[@erinpeterson3202]

good news! my room has been completely emptied and everything has been neatly sorted into donate, trash and storage! yay!

[@derreander]

We can sleep when we are dead ;)

[@whitneyhay8807]

This Helps Soooo Much💗:)

[@KettlebellB]

A “RELAXATION STATION”- omgzzzz😍 I haven’t been formally diagnosed with ADHD, but I’ve always suspected I have ADD, and have struggled with overwhelm for 25+ years. I have an entire messy house to clean, and, silly as it sounds, I’m not just ashamed, but scared. Thank you for being real and showing that it doesn’t have to be so scary🤍

[@jimmyxander1737]

This is one of the biggest struggles in my life. This video made me feel so much less broken and alone. Thank you.

[@PeaceboneGotFound]

The KonMari decluttering method is really accessible for ADHDers too!

[@RubyTwilite]

Yes, I agree KonMari is helpful but on laundry day I can't fold everything into teeny tiny parcels.

[@rachelfountain1052]

I love watching Marie Kondo but I’m scared to do it in my own house because I feel like I’ll pile everything up and then get bored and just leave the pile there forever 😅😅😅

[@JudgeyJudgeyable]

Who has the time to think about every piece of their belonging to determine if something sparks joy?

[@aubreypost9549]

@@RubyTwilite I agree, but she's also said you don't have to fold like she does, the important thing is keeping everything visible so you can remember it exists and so it's easy to access. Putting the clothes away like a filing cabinet works great for that but you could also hang them up or even use an Ikea cubbie without a drawer. I also have a designated laundry bin for clean clothes that haven't been folded to avoid clutter when I'm busy and that's worked wonders for me bc then laundry can be broken into smaller chunks and doesn't have to be a huge time commitment up front

[@cjpoole3595]

How can I find out how? I have hear the fly lady method maybe good as well.

[@NamesEvad]

I have become a $10 patreon as over the last few months your videos have been so valuable to me. Thank you so much for all the hard work you put in. Please know that it is helping me and my friends so much. x

[@HowtoADHD]

Thank you for supporting!!! It's keeping me going! :D

[@Dr.JudeAEMasonMD]

I LOVE my new housekeeper!! I found her this past week. It took her two days to do the whole house but it’s clean AND tidy. I can think!! She keeps me accountable for my clutter and helps set up organization systems that I can follow and maintain. I’m an ADHD/bipolar mama with an ADHD kiddo. It’s so good to have an external set of eyes helping you declutter. 🥰 PS: #infj

[@lf8198]

This is literally bogging down my life. THANK YOU.

[@HowtoADHD]

you too? let me know if it works for you!

[@stephanniemilton2212]

How did I not know this was an adhd thing??? I’ve been told so much my whole life that I’m just a “messy person” the first thing I did when I first started meds as a kid was clean my room! I am so happy I’m learning this isn’t some failing of my personality!

[@brendalg4]

Well even my psychologist won't investigate if I have ADD or not. She just wants me to focus on ways to motivate myself. If that was all it took, I would have done it on my own years ago

[@ShawnaHill83]

I love that you showed us how overwhelming your place can get because it shows how real your struggle is. I feel normal when I watch your videos because the comment section is full of people just like me! all your videos are on point 100% of the time. thank you so much because I needed to know I'm not alone in this very REAL struggle with myself!

[@KDzstream]

this struggle is so real, so I always try to remember to be kind to myself when it comes to cleaning. when I am done (or if we are being real) closer to done, I have a tendency not to celebrate the success as much as my brain needs me to. but last night when I came home from work at midnight and had to try and finish a paper without falling asleep (I gave up at 1am I was too tired from work) I went to my room and saw that my bed was beautifully made with love from my past self of earlier in the day. I remember I had to push myself to do this. but I was so grateful to be able to climb into my already made bed last night. that was a longer story than I intended. the moral is though that I find it is important to really Pat ourselves on the back when we do well. living with ADHD like Jessica said we need all the quarters we can get.

[@Lucy-ki8vc]

When i was younger keeping my room clean was impossible. Now, I hate messes. They are so distracting. I feel that that is my perfectionism, OCD and visual sensory overload kicking in. I know it is not typical for people with ADHD, but thought I’d share if anybody else is in the same boat. :) PS -- Thank you for uploading videos on ADHD. They've been so helpful in my personal live as well as prompting me to reach out for help. Ive was diagnosed as a child, but my parents opted to not medicate me or provide any treatment. After many years of stuggling, I recently reached out for help and go an adult ADHD assessment and started treatment. I’ve been watching you since April, and I couldn't be more thankful for your videos. Thanks for putting in the time and effort that you do to put out these videos. :)

[@HowtoADHD]

Thank you for taking the time to comment!! I know some ADHDers do keep everything super tidy, how do you do it? Is there a routine you follow?

[@Lucy-ki8vc]

Well, for me, cleaningis a 'positive' form of procrastination to be honest. While it is not easy to not get distracted by all the really random things that can be found in your house, i find that if I get distracted its likely by entering another room to put something away and starting to clean in said other room. These are 3 things that I feel make cleaning easier for me that I’ve learned throughout my 20 years of life...about 15 of which I spent living in a state where the floor was not a visable thing, and the only place things had were on top of other things. Tip 1: Decorating your home/space and making things have places. Once I created a space that I liked (ei decorated my room the way that I like within my budget) made keeping things clean easier because I was able to enjoy the beauty of the decorations in my room. Tip 2: Getting rid of things is a big tip! --> Any small little things that don't have sentimental value or you have not used for say, 1 year, its not worth keeping around. This is something that took me awhile to learn how to do since I'm a master hoarder. and speaking of hoarding… Tip 3: boxes are your best tools! --> I have a medium sized decorative basket that I keep under my desk I will often throw things in so that when I have time, I know where my weekly clutter is and I can put it back in its place (things like receipts, glasses cleaner, gum, rulers, pens, gift cards, ID cards, school readings/journals and all that kind of stuff that just accumulates on my desk) Not sure how much sence this made, probably shouldn't type things out in detail at 4:30am Oops. :P

[@glowfishin1]

Lucy thank you!

[@mlcblogmedia1156]

Bless you. and everyone here!!

[@joshuaselwocki9834]

My wife goes crazy when I tell her how I am at work vs home. I get kind of stuck and angry when I’m at work and people are being messy because I don’t feel like I can function around it. When I’m at home not so much. If I tackle the home thing I might get more cuddle time lol

[@Christine-us9vl]

This is honestly what my house looks like 80% of the time. It isolates you too cause it restricts who you're comfortable to have visit. A vicious cycle because living in that environment is depressing which doesn't help our motivation. I find that making check lists and starting on the easier tasks help a lot also :) your channel is awesome thanks so much for all your tips and strategies. I don't feel so alone watching your videos

[@aquino_jess_rod3739]

I’m an INFP, too! Thanks you for your videos - it’s helped me become more self-aware of who I am and go easier on myself as I’m trying to tackle things when I’m feeling overwhelmed.

[@ninamiller1220]

MY PSYCHOLOGIST MADE ME DO THE LIST THING FOR EACH ROOM. I am so excited

[@HowtoADHD]

+Nina Miller really?? Let me know how it goes! :D

[@ciaramclaughlin7838]

I've never related more to a video.

[@findingaway5512]

something that helps me is having routines. and keeping up on dishes, laundry and bathroom daily. clutter.... gets me still though. my default is pile stuff... everywhere. Especially when life is busy or stressful. Aaaaaahhhh!!!! paper monsters!!!!

[@jppiehl]

I have piles but when I think someone my be coming over or if I just can't handle the clutter anymore, I shove everything into bags and hid them in my closets. Out of sight out of mind. Not a good solution. I once ran out of all my silverware and dishes since I stock piled the dirty ones in a bag in my kitchen closet. Mold everywhere.

[@courtney.22]

2017 will mark 7 years since my original diagnosis of ADHD/ADD. It has made me the person I am today and I wouldn't change any of it for the world 💜💜💜💜

[@ramonabdiel10]

Seeing how messy your house is hit home because that’s exactly what happens to me and your house is actually messy not already cleaned with two socks thrown in the floor and a stain on the rug it’s realistic and actually makes me feel like less of an embarrassment and motivates me 😄

[@ginnster55]

I NEEDED THIS SO MUCH I’ve not been diagnosed but it’s because my mom doesn’t believe me because I’m not hyperactive it’s all internal and these videos have helped me so much!! I never realized I had adhd till this channel I’m just special not crazy🙌🏻😭

[@birdie8006]

Hope you're doing better nowadays!

[@LaVictoireRosee]

I've tried this. Finally, I can say THIS WORKS 😭😭😭 THANK YOU!

[@helenafisher230]

OMG!!!! I'm so glad you're back. You have no idea how hepful your videos are!😁

[@AlexKlarth]

I feel so overwhelmed. I'm an extreme procrastinator, and your videos help me to clean, thanks :)

[@annikala]

Thank you so much for making these videos. They make me feel so much more normal. So much of the focus on resources for ADHD are for elementary school aged-boys, and as a female college student who wasn't even diagnosed until 3 years ago, I find your videos so helpful/reassuring. You make me feel not insane, which reduces my shame, which actually makes me so much more productive because I'm less anxious. Again, thanks

[@waynolsfl6739]

hey everyone I have ADHD and I'm so glad to find people like me and I'm so excited to meet all of you

[@HowtoADHD]

Hey! Welcome to the tribe!!

[@waynolsfl6739]

How to ADHD thank you I know your a busy person but I sent you a message on Facebook about my problem with ADHD relationship could you include some of it in the relationship video please

[@GoVerdigo]

Konmari method along with this method sounds amazing. Imma Have to give this a try.

[@thestrangemusician168]

Oh my God, just seeing someone else's adhd mess that is full of trash and dirty dishes and actual mess like mine is incredibly reassuring. I feel less like I'm failing at being an adult, and more like this is a challenge many of us face. Thank you for showing the honest depiction of your home! It's so helpful

[@Amyduckie]

I am an ENFP. Certainly explains why the first time I saw one of your videos, and showed it to my partner he went 'Oh, I wonder who she reminds me of!'. Lol!

[@divaa82]

I feel like I'm watching my ADHD twin when I'm watching your videos. I found this method somewhere online last year and it's the only way that works for me when it comes to cleaning the house. Life changing really.

[@carlacds]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. I've been living "on my own" (with my boyfriend/husband, but having to take care of a whole house and life pretty much by myself) for two years now, and I have been feeling like I'm failing royally at being an actual adult. In my head it sounds very simple but in reality it just seems like life keeps piling up. I was starting to think there was no way out. I was just about to give up and accept the mess and chaos and sit on the dirty carpet and cry while I go though the late bills (ok maybe I'm exaggerating). These little tips you give have been helping me so much. I'll be eternally grateful. I can't make the commitment to donate every month but I would love to make a one time donation if you have anything like that going on. =)

[@rebeccaherrera6006]

I was literally in tears because I was overwhelmed. I tried reaching out to the few of my friends who understand and don’t judge me and sadly today was not MY day for me to be their priority. So I jumped on YT and looked for anything to help. THIS was helpful. Thank you for “holding my hand” and not feeling like I’m a failure. I’m not normally a true list person as I get distracted, but with this one list will definitely come another so I can schedule my cleaning days and the frequency of tasks. I’d talk more but now I want to go make a lot of lists! 😂

[@indiestripper5374]

I just took everything out of my closet because I wanted to organize it but then I got overwhelmed and now my room is totally destroyed T.T

[@indiestripper5374]

a year later im in a new apartment and im trying to organize my closet again but at least this time I didn't take everything out lol

[@edfleck8626]

Omg! I have spent my whole life walking into rooms knowing stuff needs to be done but never be able to remember in the moment! This system is a GAME CHANGER!

[@Wilddornrose]

Im doing something similar. We have a forum challenge for cleaning and decluttering going on. I made a list of all the decluttering I need to do and I'm takling ONE of these tasks for 20 minutes each day. Which reminds me: I need to start.

[@erikamrodriguez4117]

i was one of the people that asked for the clutter and personality type on fb messenger, i just want to say i am super thankful and feel really appreciated you are helping us so much, you are such a blessing Jessica and everyone else that is collaborating on this channel!

[@OzzyVetteChick]

This saved me from whimpering in my bed until the holidays pass.

[@jelessarenee9262]

Thank you! I get so flustered and I only have one room to clean!

[@GregWatsonKingston]

Great video as always! Every MBTI test I've taken either ends up INFJ or INFP, lately INFP.

[@therealzahyra]

My doctor told me I might have ADHD after I messed up how I was taking my back medication and because I don't have an official diagnosis yet, he can't prescribe what I need in order to "function normally", so he suggested this channel. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, I have tried everything, from scheduling chores, to to-do lists with reminders... nothing lasted long enough to work. I'm hoping to try this and succeed, finally. I look forward to learning more from your channel. Thank you for doing what you do 💖

[@loganfirmin3895]

Could you make a video about driving with ADHD? I have an extremely hard time driving even when I'm on my medication and I don't know how to make driving easier. It's mainly the lack of focus that's bad.

[@grasshopper832]

Logan Firmin i find i have to listen to the radio, kind of like an auditory fidget cube. Usually music while im doing something is distracting, but since driving is more physical and repetitive (unlike say, writing an essay), it’s the only time music helps me focus. Like jogging or working out with music. Makes the dull repetitive task more engaging. Bonus: if there are songs i know/can sing along to, i can focus even better. Might not work for you, but give it a try. I notice a huge difference. Has to be fun and engaging though, not just something on in the background.

[@prairiepanda]

I actually find that I am a much better driver when I'm OFF my medication. I've learned to channel the strong novelty-seeking drive of my ADHD into watching for sudden changes and potential hazards. Because my brain is constantly looking for something new or different, I very quickly notice if a dog is off-leash up ahead, or someone is changing lanes without signalling, or brake lights are coming on farther up the block, etc. When I am on my meds, on the other hand, I tend to be too focused on what's immediately in front of me and less aware of things happening in my peripheral, far ahead, or behind me. So I usually wait to take my meds until after I've arrived at my destination, and on days when I have to do a lot of driving I just don't take my meds at all.

[@jppiehl]

@@grasshopper832 me too I'm unable to drive without singing to music. Without it, I think I start over thinking since I'm alone with my thoughts.

[@courtneyarredondo4651]

I always have the music on also or have started to listen to Podcasts.....cannot have silence, drives me crazy!!

[@aanawenjigewin]

I have a radio on but I always have to tell myself “focus!” When I realize I zone out. Not ideal, I could always be more alert too. I can’t have podcast type shows on or I get too engaged with what they’re saying rather than pay full attention to driving.

[@thepeddler9226]

I've found Diane in Denmark (FlyLady) and it's been a blessing. She starts by showing you 31 steps (one for each day). In those 31 days, you get the 5-10-15 minutes tasks to do around your house. Like 10 minutes for the hotspot in the kitchen (where everyone drops something there). I'm getting my house cleaned up! Such a difference. TFS Nicole

[@VSPhotfries]

One day, using a system like this, I may have an accomplishment to my name!

[@reginabedgood1799]

This is the most relevant video ever. It takes me hours to clean because as soon as I go in one room to put something away I see 15 other things that need to be done and the cycle just continues until 45 minutes later I stumble upon the thing I was supposed to be doing the whole time and I am like "Ohhh yeah...that is what I was supposed to do, whoops" I might try this list tomorrow when I clean to see if I can combat the madness that is my brain while trying to clean!

[@Lisa-jm8ud]

Thank you Jess! this really helped.... great tips!

[@kyrasimbii2661]

My room was such a mess i don't remember the last time i saw the floor and now I've got every thing done and i don't feel as stressed a usually do on cleaning days. 🙌 thanks so much i needed this. 😄😃😆😊😁😀

[@pbriffy]

Yo, in addition to this super helpful video, thanks so much for actually showing your apartment! Mine looks very similar right now, and usually when I see other people's houses they just look unachievably organized to me -- like, I don't think my living space has *ever* been that tidy. But it made me feel a lot less self-conscious and ashamed to see that I'm not alone, and it gave me hope that it's actually possible to get my space looking organized. I do have a question: it's usually pretty clear to me what to do with stuff like dishes, clothes, and bills, even if it's not much fun to deal with them. But when you have a lot of objects lying around that don't have a clear "home," how do you figure out where they should go without getting derailed? Often while cleaning I'll find something random, like a spare set of bike lights, and it totally stops me dead in my tracks. I usually end up either 1. wasting a lot of time trying to figure out whether it counts as a "tool" or "small electronics" or needs its own home by the bike or etc., or 2. getting frustrated and arbitrarily shoving it somewhere (and then not being able to find it ever again). Do you or Erica ever run into this problem? P.S., we are Myers-Briggs twins! E/INFP here as well. (Have you ever taken an OCEAN test? They are also illuminating but can be a little less flattering -- high neuroticism and low conscientiousness!)

[@GoblinsAreAGirlsBestFriend]

I can't believe I've never found your channel before. I was diagnosed with and treated for ADHD at the age of 21 and like to think I gained a lot more control over my functioning and disorder since then, but then I migrated... and you don't just take your diagnosis with you when that happens. I would have to start from scratch again to get professional help and medication again, and after previous treatment made such an improvement, I don't even know if they would diagnose me the same at this stage. Anyway, I just feel completely scattered, overwhelmed, unproductive, unclear and exhausted completely randomly for no apparent reason at all... your video really helped me not feel as bad about that. Thank you.

[@katelynwaco115]

You are the best and help me get through so much in life. Omg if it was not for your videos I feel like I would have quite school lol. Also my anxiety has been less since i been watching your videos. If that sentence even made any sense lol. Thank you so much.

[@HowtoADHD]

It did and thank you for saying so!!! It keeps me going to know I'm helping

[@katelynwaco115]

Omg you answered i love u so much. I am about to cry lol.

[@HowtoADHD]

aww *tissue*

[@katelynwaco115]

thank you so much

[@JayplayzLS]

OMG!!.. I thk I may ADHD...just from this video..I am 46 yrs old & have never been tested for ADHD...I am everything this video says.i have to stay in one room to finish cleaning it.if i go to put something in another room and I see something in there I (also) need to be doing.i will forget to go back to finish my first job.not until I go back in the first room to put something that room or space I remember my first job..I'm so glad I found this page..💕💯👍

[@artisticallychallenged7842]

My bedroom used to be horribly messy all the time thanks to my ADD and depression, but I just started making a habit of cleaning my room when I wake up, and before I go to bed. Things generally stay clean. Routine has been the one thing to really help me with my ADD, but because my brain doesn't really /do/ routines its difficult to stick to. Also, wouldn't the list be a perfect thing to put in your bullet journal?

[@HowtoADHD]

YES!!! Thank you, doing it now!

[@doloritasvega]

By the universe! I wasn't aware of having ADHD until kind of recently and I'm still learning a lot about it and this showed me a lot. Not only to get my homework done or to actually get to study for exams but also to actually end watching movies or episodes, I need a person to be with me or I will stop the video/ episode/ movie after less than 10 minutes into it and move on to something else. I didn't know it was like this to other people and that it had to do with my ADHD. Thanks for the method, btw! I'll try it as soon as I finally get out of school...if I don't forget to

[@lisac.697]

hehehe now that it's exam season my room suddenly turned into a paper recycling center.... with mountains of paper even more stable than my finances..😅😅 PS: Jessica if you reply me I SWEAR I'll immediately start cleaning my room!! ..i think... ... .. . ....... ... Damn ADHD is hard

[@HowtoADHD]

aaaaand GO :D

[@lisac.697]

Holy schnitzel you did reply 😱😱😂😂

[@HowtoADHD]

Yup! Did you clean? :D

[@lisac.697]

Yes actually!! 😅😅Surprisingly I did 😁😁

[@katieburgess6839]

This is so helpful! Thank you. I also find that setting a timer helps me clean because it creates a feeling of deadline so I go crazy for 10-20 mins every day and give myself grace for anything that doesn’t get done in that time. It’s kind of my version of the fly lady system but just doing whatever I see. When I get off track with that.....you know what happens!

[@marykay1707]

Hi from Germany

[@VenomRoadRacing]

I learnt one thing to really avoid that's helped. "Here for now" ^ avoid. It doesn't have a place. Or you're trying to jump ahead. Or carry other stuff with it later etc. Make a place. Take it to place. Always do the full task.

[@GenreJordan]

Hey is there a video or could you make a video on tips for how to fall asleep? My mind constantly runs unless I'm super exhausted from the day before so I can't get much sleep.

[@HowtoADHD]

super common. Check this out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJPLhnmOa7-Fj6M

[@futuramasimpson9713]

Thank you so much! my house looks like this which is frustrating and -yes, overwhelming-, and finally you gave me hope!! I tried flylady, read a bunch of books, made lists, but it never worked for long. Now I know the reason and I know I'm not alone. Thank you!

[@TrinityDarling]

you're the absolute best!!

[@HowtoADHD]

[@skarletcharity]

Your channel is absolutely perfect for me! Ive been trying so hard to get into organizing and cleaning. I'm a single mom, I own a small business and work full time, and I have 2 kids and many pets. It's so hard to do everything! Every time I think I've gotten ahead, all it takes is one night where I go to my dad's or have friends over amd the whole house falls apart. Yours are thr only videos that arent slow, dull, carefully explained..... brown and grey feeling videos. I click on them and last all of 45seconds before Im searching again. Im excited to have found you!

[@LaurelRothamel]

THIS IS SO HELPFUL! OMG using this tomorrow. Lol

[@HowtoADHD]

Haha if I'd had it done in time we could have used it in our hotel room!!! #KZbinNextUP #roomie

[@SuperBRAIN]

koolysmiley do I want to know how bad that hotel room had gotten to?? Lolz JK HIIIIIII :D:D

[@HowtoADHD]

...no

[@SuperBRAIN]

How to ADHD :0:0

[@LaurelRothamel]

How to ADHD OMG TRUUUU

[@MetalxAssassinx]

I have been very overwhelmed of how much work I have on my back. I really do appreciate the humor you put on that video accompanied by the tips. Thank you, I really appreciate it.

[@sandralovesmusic15]

Tend to test INTP, not sure how accurate that is. Got a four way tie on this one. Couldn't decide if I was introverted or extroverted, thinking or feeling. Which sounds like the same things I always question about myself. some of the questions annoyed tho... who put factual and imaginative on a binary???

[@sandijames6409]

If you like taking those tests, try checking out Human Design on Jovian Archives. It's been an eye opener for me.

[@sweetthang0165]

I am also an INTP! Introverted unite! In our own homes. Because we're antisocial. Lol

[@biancabeausoleil766]

I love this, so useful! For me starting is hard, but so is staying on track while cleaning. I've found something that works well for: I always start with the same task in the room. So in my bedroom I go for the bed, in the kitchen cleaning counters and organizing dishes on the side. By always starting with the same task, I don't have to think to much and I just do it. Also, the starting tasks makes physical space for me to deal with other stuff.

[@annabethc338]

Can you make a video about dyslexia and ADHD?

[@alilawati269]

So much energy used to tasks that are basically effortless for others . God helps us man

[@Korvar]

Two things: your room is almost as bad as mine, and I need a cleaning buddy...

[@RawwrrBunny]

I've only just started to consider I may have ADHD and this video is exactly how I started to tackle tidying my room last year. Lists, areas and trying to avoid distractions or else it never gets done. Another thing I find helpful when tidying is allocating a time to each task and then if i complete it within that time I can use the remaining minutes to relax as a reward, as long as I set an alarm for when the next task has to be done! :)

[@garrettmillard525]

Pro-tip - have comorbid OCD and be unable to keep an uncleanly house.

[@noctisocculta4820]

Unless your OCD is primarily hoarding. Then you're in for a bad time.

[@MariposaRedimida]

I didn't know hoarding was OCD... interesting.

[@aki20]

OCD isn't about cleaning! It's about compulsively doing something that you are compelled to do which has a deterimental effect on your life. That's my OCD is horrible to live with. I have OCD, which is basically to pick at my skin. Others its washing their hands till they're sore and sometimes bleeding. You see where i'm going with this? OCD isn't being a tidy bug, it's believing if you don't do this one thing you do, something bad will happen, like a family member will die (this one is usually the common OCD of checking locks all round the house multiple times, which is exhausting and distressing from the sufferer)

[@nerdfightercommenter6969]

Yeah my OCD hates my ADHD soooo much

[@aaronkays1817]

I know this is a couple of years old but thank you so much for sharing your actual mess. It makes me feel better to know it's not just me that gets overwhelmed which leads to the mess getting more out of control

[@Captain__Obvious]

My reaction to cleaning - click 3:29 repeatedly

[@HowtoADHD]

hahaha I actually did that -- thanks for the laugh :D

[@dutchkel]

Captain Obvious hahahahha yes

[@smokeyallanritter3211]

I am an ENFP also! I took variations of this Myers-Briggs test 8 times to be sure over a period of about 20 years. ENFP almost mirrors ADD exactly! Thanks for the excellent video my clutter has gotten way ahead of me over the last couple of years. And now I'm thinking about moving so I really have to get it done pronto! You are so awesome your videos are so helpful!🐱🐱🐱🐻🐻🐻😍😍😍

[@ADRdaniel]

2 am party :D

[@HowtoADHD]

what better time for us ADHDers? :D

[@katelynwaco115]

omg yep

[@MrMarkthefreak]

hellz ya!

[@Cepheid_]

Perfect time to get organized!

[@alexandraimmitt4886]

I can’t tell you how much your videos have helped me start to feel like I can actually handle this thing people call adulthood.

[@GlenHunt]

Beware trauma from suddenly having an organized house. Go slow... ;)

[@HowtoADHD]

Lol good point!!!

[@ksandstone6757]

What worked for me was to first make a list of why I wanted this room clean, and why I didn't want to clean it. Then I saw in writing all my childish fears and feelings, and when they faced the light of day, what was true and made emotional and physical sense, prevailed. That chart gave me the motivation to do it and helped me understand why I hadn't done it before. It was actually very healing. Then I went around and threw away ONLY the true garbage first. Now I'm starting to go by categories. It's an adaptation of the KonMari Method of cleaning. The idea of only keeping what "sparks joy" really resonates with me. I would say, that method is worthy of a try.

[@Ykhraam]

that technique sounds smart

[@mm57390]

Is Erica your aunt you said has ADHD in a previous video

[@EricaNeils]

Not her aunt! Just a friend :)

[@mm57390]

Erica Neils oh thank you just curious

[@Kyle_Mo]

I watched this... and then looked at me desk at work. The amount of projects i have that is out of the scope of my normal job duties is well.... this video explains alot!

[@jamesgriebler]

Man I also hit on the border right between ENFP and INFP. Your videos are super helpful Jessica. Now to actually implement them.

[@solobudget]

I'm going to face my crazy messy tiny room right after I fly back to my home country this weekend. And thank you so much for this! I need to make the list now hahaha

[@talitajames7652]

I’m autistic and I couldn’t find many autism specific cleaning tips but these helped me a lot! Thanks so much Jessica!!!!!

[@laurenhook7574]

You know that feeling when you lie down after doing some sort of thing during the day and then feeling the ghost of the activity it's such a great feeling especially after a gymnastics display cuz it's a whole lot of floppy ghost feelings I love it and I just lie still and it's actually fun just feeling everything that you've done during the day yay!

[@javiera.fernandez1326]

OMG a million thanks for everything you do! I will be going to get my testing/diagnosis on Monday and am going nuts. You have made me feel so very good about myself. It’s been a long time but I can proudly say that I am now ready to start my life.